The Science of Start-ups
On the heels of President Obama’s and the White House Jobs and Competitiveness Council’s visit to the RTP and the Triangle region, it struck me as I listened in on the entrepreneurship and innovation/biotechnology sessions with corporate executives: one thing is clear, access to capital is critical. And investors aren’t investing. And if they are, they’re difficult to find.
To Ted Zoller of UNC-Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flager School of Business and Director for the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, creating new jobs and companies goes beyond great ideas and ample capital.
“If we’re able to figure out where the opportunities lie and use networking as a tool, that will broaden the ability to focus each venture to the group of people that would best positioned to support that venture through success,” said Zoller.
His research relates to entrepreneurial networks. Dealmakers, as Zoller defines, are investors who have equity in three or more companies concurrently, are an part of the critical catalyst to bring entrepreneurs and investors together.
Learn more about how his work in developing a networking technology called the ‘dealmaker algorithm’ can be used to create a cohesive social capital network to help inform public policies, help regional economies identify new investors, and bring up and mentor the next generation of young entrepreneurs.
View Ted Zoller’s interview on UNC Kenan Institute’s YouTube channel:
The Blackstone Entrepreneurial Network, influenced by the urgent need for job growth in the U.S., identified the Research Triangle as the next big thing: an opportunity to build on an innovation hub with great growth potential.
“The Blackstone Foundation’s generous investment in the future of North Carolina is going to play a vital role in our state as we continue to out-build, out-innovate and out-educate the competition. (T)his program will unlock the incredible potential of North Carolina, creating new opportunities for our brightest minds and most aggressive entrepreneurs,” said NC Governor Bev Perdue at the unveiling of the $3.63 million grant.
Learn more about the science of start-ups and the Blackstone Entrepreneurs Network: